In this duel, the summoned creatures of both sides, in principle, did not count towards the duel slots. And in a strict sense, Ah Li was considered Ling Tian’s beast companion.
However, from another perspective, even if they were cheating, what did it matter if the opponent couldn't discover it?
At this moment, Ling Tian's flying sword had already ascended into the air, its tip aimed at the Grand Tutor Dulan. With just a thought from Ling Tian, the Scarlet Flame Treasure Sword would descend and pierce through the great monk.
Just then, the King's Hajif stood up and said loudly, "Mr. Ling Tian, please stop!"
Ling Tian was taken aback and stopped his attack. He turned to look at King Hajif.
However, Ling Tian did not relax his posture. The tip of the flying sword was still aimed at Grand Tutor Dulan, ready to descend and teach him a lesson if he dared to make any rash moves.
"Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
"Mr. Ling Tian, I have a humble request.
You have won this duel. Master Dulan, as our country's Grand Tutor, though somewhat arrogant, does not deserve to die.
I hope you can grant me this favor and spare the Grand Tutor. Rest assured, I will not be stingy and will provide you with satisfactory compensation!"
Ling Tian immediately understood King Hajif's intentions. This was a display of royal strategy.
When a subordinate becomes unruly, they must be disciplined. Ling Tian had served as a tool to discipline Grand Tutor Dulan.
Now, with Grand Tutor Dulan about to meet his demise at Ling Tian's hands, the King stepping in to plead for his life was a tremendous favor, one that would surely earn him immense gratitude.
It seemed that to hold the position of king, even in a small, insignificant country, one had to be truly extraordinary.
"Very well, Your Majesty. Since you have spoken, I will naturally let him go.
However, to be clear, if Grand Tutor Dulan is not convinced and dares to seek revenge on me in private, then do not blame me for being impolite!"
Ling Tian was happy to do the King a favor. Refusing a king publicly would be unwise and cause them to lose face.
However, Ling Tian still stated his terms upfront because he knew that Dulan would not let this matter rest easily.
After all, he had killed one of Dulan's disciples and also the puppet master. Ling Tian had not forgotten the look of pure hatred in Grand Tutor Dulan's eyes when he looked at him.
Ling Tian decided to make his intentions clear, which also served as a warning.
"Grand Tutor, let this matter rest. You have lost today!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, this monk understands!"
Although he was a hundred times unwilling, seeing the Scarlet Flame Treasure Sword hovering in mid-air, Grand Tutor Dulan chose to back down.
While face was important, what use was face if one lost their life?
Even though he possessed some defensive treasures, he was not confident that they could withstand Ling Tian's attack.
Thus, Grand Tutor Dulan clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to Ling Tian.
"Mr. Ling Tian, this monk has lost. I am no match for you!"
With that, he turned and left dejectedly.
Ling Tian approached the King again. King Hajif was overjoyed and showed no signs of dejection at his Grand Tutor's defeat.
"Dr. Ling Tian, your skills are remarkable. I believe that as a doctor, you are somewhat underutilized.
Mr. Ling Tian, I invite you to join our Darusalan Kingdom. Rest assured, I will offer you better treatment than the Grand Tutor..."
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. The Grand Tutor enjoyed extraordinary treatment every year.
However, upon further reflection, it was not surprising. King Hajif was not a stingy person, and moreover, His Majesty favored a balance of power. Previously, there was no one to counterbalance the Grand Tutor Dulan, but now with Ling Tian, Dulan would have to tread carefully.
"Your Majesty, I am honored by your high regard. However, my master taught me that I am a doctor, and my mission is to heal and save lives.
As for other things, they are merely secondary paths. To abandon the main path for a secondary one would be a loss."
"Moreover, we are here to treat the Queen's illness. The Queen's condition is already very serious and requires immediate treatment, otherwise..."
Ling Tian gracefully rejected the King's invitation. Furthermore, Ling Tian very cleverly steered the conversation towards the Queen, which immediately captured King Hajif's attention. This way, the displeasure of being rejected by Ling Tian vanished completely.
"Then, when can you begin treating the Queen?" the King asked eagerly.
"Today's duel has taken a significant toll on me. I need to meditate and adjust myself to the best possible state.
How about this: I will begin treating the Queen tomorrow. Of course, the treatment will require some items. I will write down a list of what is needed, and you can find people to prepare them..."
"Very well, it is settled. I entrust this to you, Dr. Ling Tian. Please let me know if anything is lacking!"
The King ordered Prince Aloroy to personally lead a guard unit to escort Ling Tian back to his residence. Ling Tian was now a person of high importance, and the King did not want him to suffer any mishap.
Moreover, at this juncture, Ling Tian was the Queen's only hope of survival. If anything were to happen to him, no one could bear the King's wrath.
The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, Prince Aloroy personally came to fetch Ling Tian. Ling Tian, accompanied by Ah Li, and later joined by Amamiya Yui, proceeded together towards the palace.
Upon arriving at the palace, the three of them entered a bedroom, which was the Queen's residence.
A makeshift operating room made of glass had been set up inside the bedroom. Sunlight could penetrate the glass and shine upon the patient within.
The Queen had been brought into the operating room. She lay on the bed, her complexion gaunt, her eye sockets sunken, clearly not far from the end of her strength.
"Doctor, I beg you, save my child..."
The Queen's voice was weak, but her tone was firm.
Ling Tian nodded. "Rest assured, I will help you recover your health as soon as possible!"
Ling Tian knew very well that neither His Majesty the King nor the Aloroy father and son had told the Queen the true situation. If the Queen were to discover that she was carrying a ghost fetus, it would be devastating to her, and she would not agree to Ling Tian destroying the creature in her womb!
Therefore, everyone around had told a well-intentioned lie!